《無上祕要》Vol. 19

The Supreme Secret Essentials, Scroll 27, Part Seven: The Section on Shangqing Divine Talismans

Wearing this talisman enables one to pass through danger, cross mountains and seas, summon gods and control ghosts, and seal and command numinous mountains. Wherever one goes, a thousand demons bow their heads, ten thousand spirits are restrained, and a host of immortals serves as attendants and guards, while an extraordinary light shines from one’s body.

(Source: Dongzhen Inner Truth Talisman of the Divine Tiger)

Wearing this talisman enables one to command Heaven and Earth with awe, rebuke the gathered spirits, control the landscape and ride dragons, attaining rank equal to that of the high immortals. At the sound of one’s jade-like voice, Jade Radiance attends at one’s side and Golden Perfected ones stand guard; a thousand demons shut their eyes and ten thousand ghosts vanish.

(Source: Dongzhen True Talisman of the Golden Tiger)

Wearing the True Talisman of the Three Origins of the Taiji Emperor Lord: Place it in a brocade pouch and wear it on the head. Do not step in filth. After wearing the talisman for five years, one will be able to meet the Perfected. After nine years, one will communicate with spirits and see through things completely; one may sit or stand and bring the dead back to life, and command the Six Jia. Heaven will provide twelve Jade Boys and twelve Jade Maidens. Riding clouds and dragons, one may travel and feast in the Jade Palace.

Wearing the Supreme Treasure Talisman of the Register: Write it in vermilion on plain silk and wear it at the right elbow; do not let it become soiled. After wearing it for eight years, the Three Ones will all appear. After meeting the Three Ones, take gold as the material and write the talisman on long white paper using orpiment. On each day of one’s birth cycle, at noon, face south and ingest it. When finished, write it in vermilion ink on white paper, then at dusk on the day of one’s birth cycle, face toward one’s natal direction and ingest it.

The Supreme One’s Treasure Talisman for Subduing the Three Hun Souls and Seven Po Souls and Preserving Life: On the month, day, and hour of one’s birth cycle, write it in vermilion on white paper, face north, and ingest it. If one does not know the month, day, or hour of one’s birth, knowing any one of them is sufficient. It may also be ingested at noon on a Wuwu day.

The Supreme One’s Treasure Talisman for Summoning the Emperor Lord: At noon on one of the Eight Festival days, write it in vermilion on white paper and ingest it.

The Emperor Lord’s Inner Talisman of the Great One’s Spirit and Essence: There are twelve talismans in all. They are the vital energy of the Supreme One, supremely true and secret; they must not be transmitted indiscriminately. In addition, there is a separate set of the Great One’s Outer Instructions in talismanic script.

(Source: Dongzhen Scripture of Hidden Writings on the Great Elixir)

Cloud Essence, Jade Radiance, and Flying Mystery Life Talisman: For ritual use, write it in vermilion on blue paper and ingest it; write it in vermilion on blue silk and wear it. The essence of the Five Clouds enables one to know when the Five Clouds ascend to the Golden Radiance. After practicing it for seven years, one will become equal to the Radiant Luminaries.

Treasure Talisman of the Nine Sources of the River of Life: For ritual use, write it in black ink on white paper and ingest it; write it in black ink...

A Plain-Language Reading of the Wushang Biyao (Supreme Secret Essentials)

The White Silk Pendant — Write it on white silk and wear it. This talisman contains the vital energy of the jade essence of the Great Waves. It enables one to know the names of beings within the Nine Rivers, transform and multiply one’s form, travel upstream to the Nine Sources, and descend into the realm of water spirits. After five years of practice, every kind of transformation can be achieved at will.

Dragon Embryo Essence-Preserving Talisman — Write and use it on yellow paper, and wear it on white silk. This talisman embodies the vital energy of the dragon essence’s nine transformations. It enables one to understand how dragon embryos transform their surroundings and how to ascend cliffs; one may travel upstream through the Nine Mysteries and roam freely among the Nine Peaks. After five years of practice, one may hope to pass through the tribulations.

Seven Transformations of the Liberated Form Talisman — Write and use it on yellow paper in blue characters, and wear it on yellow silk. This talisman embodies the essence from which thunder and lightning first congealed. Its method is supremely subtle: one can divide and disperse one’s form, stream with light through myriad transformations, and unite with the Real in hidden communion.

Seven Luminaries’ Shining-Spirit Jade Talisman — Write and use it on blue paper in vermilion characters, and wear it on yellow silk. This talisman embodies the essence of the Seven Stars. It enables one to transform and conceal oneself, and to ascend in radiant splendor to the Jade Court.

(From the Dongzhen Qizhuan Qibian Wutian Jing [Scripture of the Seven Cycles and Seven Transformations of the Dance of Heaven, Cavern of Perfection])

Inner Contemplation, Opening-Clarity Jade Talisman — Write it on white paper in vermilion characters, cast it into water, face east, click the teeth three times, and practice according to the prescribed method. After eight years, purple clouds will envelop the body, and the eyes will shine with clear insight. One will be able to perceive the Nine Heavens, the body will emit wondrous light, and one will command myriad transformations and fly through the open sky. This method is supremely wondrous. It is transmitted only to those who have become perfected immortals and is not practiced among ordinary people.

Rosy Clouds, Opening-Clarity, Cavern-Perceiving Jade Talisman — Face east, write it on white paper in vermilion characters, click the teeth twelve times, and practice according to the prescribed method. After nine years, one may attain the rank of a High Immortal, ascend to Heaven in broad daylight, and feast and wander at the Jade Capital.

Yellow Qi, Yang Essence, Cavern-Illuminating Spirit Talisman — Face east, write it on blue paper in yellow characters, click the teeth twelve times, and practice according to the prescribed method. After nine years, one may attain the rank of a High Immortal, ascend to Heaven in broad daylight, and travel to the Imperial Chambers.

(From the Dongzhen Qingyao Jingen Zhongjing [Collected Scriptures of the Golden Root and Pure Essentials, Cavern of Perfection])

Great-Calamity Deliverance, Preserving Life and Longevity Talisman — During the Great Yang Nine cycle (the Great Yang Nine refers to one of the great cosmic calamities), when floodwaters surge to the heavens, write it on white silk in blue characters and wear it on the head. One can then float and soar above the clear waters, unharmed by every disaster, preserving one’s body and prolonging life. Worn for a long time, it can lead to becoming an immortal.

Minor-Calamity Deliverance, Preserving Life and Longevity Talisman — During the Minor Yang Nine cycle (the Minor Yang Nine refers to a lesser cycle of calamity), when water and fire rage together and all disasters arise at once, write it on white silk in vermilion characters and wear it at the left elbow. One will sink neither in an abyss nor burn in fire; no harm can injure one. It preserves the body and prolongs life, allowing one to live as long as Heaven. Worn for a long time, it can lead to becoming an immortal.

Note: This text belongs to the Daoist tradition of cultivating Fulu (talismans and registers). Each talisman is described with its own writing materials and colors, place of wear, period of practice, and expected effects, and its source scripture is identified. Terms such as “Nine Rivers,” “Nine Sources,” “Nine Mysteries,” and “Nine Peaks” refer to levels of cosmic space in Daoist usage. “Great Yang Nine” and “Minor Yang Nine” refer to Daoist concepts of cycles of cosmic calamity.

On a Ren or Gui day, carve talismanic characters in blue ink on a blue stone, then bury it east of the mountain where you live. Face east, click your teeth nine times, and recite the blessing: “Subdue the myriad demons; summon the immortals and perfected beings to appear; let the Jade Maidens guard the body.”

On a Jia or Yi day, carve the characters in blue on a red stone, then bury it south of the mountain where you live. Face south, click your teeth nine times, and recite the same blessing.

On a Wu or Ji day, carve the characters in yellow on a white stone, then bury it west of the mountain where you live. Face west, click your teeth nine times, and recite the same blessing.

On a Geng or Xin day, carve the characters in white on a black stone, then bury it north of the mountain where you live. Face north, click your teeth nine times, and recite the same blessing.

On a Bing or Ding day, carve the characters in red on a yellow stone, then bury it at the center of the mountain where you live. Face the Ren direction, click your teeth nine times, and recite the blessing: “Subdue the myriad demons; summon the immortals and perfected beings to appear; let the Jade Maidens guard the body.”

This is the true secret. Once you understand it, you can ascend to Heaven in broad daylight. Keep it carefully concealed, and do not pass it on to others.

The above is from the Dongzhen Sanjiu Suyu Yujing Zhenjue.

The Supreme One’s Jia-Yi Nine-Qi Talisman for Entering Wood: On the day of the Beginning of Spring, at dawn, face east and ingest a talisman written in cinnabar.

Also, on a Jia-Yin or Yi-Mao day in the first or second lunar month, write in blue on a paulownia wood tablet measuring nine cun wide and one chi two cun long. Bury it nine chi deep in the mountain east of your dwelling. Choose either the Jia-Yin or Yi-Mao day. Follow this method once every three years; there is no need to bury one every year. At each seasonal marker, simply visualize, ingest the talisman, and perform the practice. After nine years of perseverance, the Azure Emperor, deity of the East, and the Lord of Mount Tai will respond and descend, watching over and protecting the practitioner’s body.

The Supreme One’s Bing-Ding Three-Qi Talisman for Entering Fire: At noon on the day of the Beginning of Summer, face south and ingest a talisman written in cinnabar.

Also, on a Ding-Si or Bing-Wu day in the fourth or fifth lunar month, write in cinnabar on a paulownia wood tablet measuring eight cun wide and one chi two cun long. Bury it three chi deep in the mountain south of your dwelling. Choose either a Bing or Ding day. Follow this method once every three years; there is no need to bury one every year. At each seasonal marker, simply visualize, ingest the talisman, and perform the practice. After nine years of perseverance, the Lord of the Red Emperor, deity of the South, and the Lord of Mount Huo will descend and appear before the practitioner.

The Supreme One’s Geng-Xin Seven-Qi Talisman for Entering Metal: At dusk on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, face the direction corresponding to the days specified in the text, perform the practice, and ingest a talisman written in cinnabar.

After making the talisman in cinnabar ink, face west and take it.

Also, on a Gengshen or Xinyou day in the seventh or eighth month, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on a paulownia board six cun wide and one chi two cun long. Bury it seven chi deep to the west of your residence. Choose just one of the Geng or Xin days. Repeat this burial once every three years; there is no need to do it every year. It is enough to visualize, take the talisman, and follow the seasonal instructions. After nine years of practice, the Lord of the White Emperor and the Lord of Mount Hua will both descend and reveal their forms.

The Supreme One’s Talisman for the Five Qi of Ren and Gui Entering Water: At midnight on the day Beginning of Winter, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on paper, face north, and take it.

Also, on a Guihai or Renzi day in the tenth or eleventh month, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on a paulownia board five cun wide and one chi two cun long. Bury it five chi deep to the north of your residence. Choose just one of the Ren or Gui days. Repeat this burial once every three years; there is no need to do it every year. It is enough to visualize, take the talisman, and follow the seasonal instructions. After nine years of practice, the Lord of the Black Emperor and the Lord of Mount Heng will both descend and reveal their forms.

The Supreme One’s Talisman for the Single Qi of Wu and Ji Entering Earth: After noon on the day of the Grand Year, face the direction corresponding to the current season and take the talisman.

Also, on a Wuchen, Jiwei, Wuxu, or Jichou day in the third, sixth, ninth, or twelfth month, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on a paulownia board three cun wide and one chi two cun long. Bury it one chi two cun deep in the center of your residence. Choose one suitable day in each season. Repeat this burial once every three years; there is no need to do it every year. It is enough to visualize, take the talisman, and follow the designated dates. After nine years of practice, the Lord of the Yellow Emperor and the Lord of Mount Songgao will both descend and reveal their forms.

The Supreme One’s Talisman for the Azure Qi of the Nine Sources: At dawn on the day Beginning of Spring or Spring Equinox, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on blue paper, face east, and take it. After completing the ritual, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on a paulownia board. Beneath it, write the year, month, and day, along with the practitioner’s commandery, county, township, and village; the name of the mountain where they live; the master’s title; the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches; their age; and their birth month. Then wrap the talisman in nine liang of blue stone and blue silk, and cast it into a river flowing eastward.

The Supreme One’s Talisman for the Scarlet Qi of the Cavern Source: Usually, at noon on the day Beginning of Summer or Summer Solstice, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on blue paper, face south, and take it. After completing the ritual, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on a paulownia board.

The Nine Red Ban Talismans: An Interpretive Reading of the Wushang Biyao

The passage below comes from the Scripture of the Nine Red Ban Talismans (Jiu Chi Ban Fu Jing) within the Dongzhen (Three Caverns) lineage, and describes the use of several Taishang Dongyuan (Supreme Profound Abyss) ban talismans. It is followed by the six-stage method of taking the Feiling Yufu (Flying Spirit Jade Talismans).

I. The White Qi Ban Talisman of Taishang Dongyuan

On the two days of Lichiu (Beginning of Autumn) and Qiufen (Autumnal Equinox), during the shen hour (about 3 to 5 p.m.), write the talisman in cinnabar on blue paper. Take it facing west, either by swallowing it or by wearing it.

When the rite is complete, copy the talisman in cinnabar onto a tung-wood board, and inscribe the following: On such-and-such a year, month, and day, in such-and-such a prefecture, county, township, and village, at such-and-such a peak (the name of a mountain), Master So-and-so (Mou Jia), aged so many years, born in such-and-such a month. Place eight liang (about 300 grams) of red stone beneath the talisman, bind them with red silk, and cast the talisman together with the stone into a river flowing south.

II. The Mysterious Qi Ban Talisman of Taishang Dongchuan

On the two days of Lidong (Beginning of Winter) and Dongzhi (Winter Solstice), at midnight (zi hour), write the talisman in cinnabar on blue paper and take it facing north.

Afterward, write the talisman in cinnabar on a tung-wood board in the same manner, recording the year, month, and day, the prefecture, county, township, and village, the mountain, and the name, age, and birth month of Master So-and-so.

Place six liang of white stone beneath the talisman, bind it with white silk, and cast it into a river flowing west.

III. (An Unfinished Northward Talisman)

Another ban talisman, also taken facing north, is described in the same way. Beneath the talisman one places five liang of black stone, binds it with black silk, and casts it into a river flowing north. The specific season and method of writing are missing from this passage, and the complete text would need to be consulted to recover them.

IV. The Feiling Yufu (Flying Spirit Jade Talismans), Transmitted by the Taiji Zhenren

The Feiling Yufu are a method of taking talismans transmitted by the Taiji Zhenren (Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate). The method proceeds by stages according to the number of years, and each stage produces different effects. Each stage has a secret taboo name and a secret designation, which must not be spoken casually to others or copied and circulated carelessly.

Notes:

• Ban talismans are cast into rivers in accordance with direction and season, using red, white, or black stones and silk, to complete a rite that might be described as "informing heaven and earth and fixing one's name in the registers."
• Eight Scenic Shadow Names / Taboo Names: These are the esoteric appellations that must be recited before taking the talisman. The complete texts elsewhere in the Wushang Biyao record them, but this passage mentions only their designations and does not give them in full.
• Red Qi, Mysterious Qi, and White Qi: These are names for the Dao-qi (qi of the Way) corresponding to direction and season, and they serve as classificatory terms within the Fulu (talisman and register) tradition.

The five sections of ban talismans and the six stages of the Feiling Yufu above are compiled and rendered from the Nine Red Ban Talismans Scripture and the Feiling Yufu entries as quoted in the Wushang Biyao.

Flying Spirit Jade Talisman (Feiling Yufu)

Wearing this talisman for a full seven years allows the bearer to ascend to Taiqing (Grand Clarity), one of the Heavens of Shangqing (Highest Clarity) within the realm of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and attend its feasts. On returning, the bearer can transform and nourish the Five Dawns (the morning radiances of the five directions, or the spirit-light of the five directions). If one seeks to ride the dragon and ascend into the void (canlong denghu), one should take the talisman-potion on the day of Lidong (the Beginning of Winter), facing northwest. Before doing so, one must first recite softly the Names of the Eight Yin Scenes (the concealed names of the eight shadowed luminaries).

Flying Spirit Jade Talisman

After eight full years of wearing this talisman, the bearer may ascend to Yuqing (Jade Clarity), the highest realm of the Three Pure Ones, and roam freely wherever their spirit is carried. One should take the talisman-potion on the day of the Winter Solstice, facing north, and first recite the Names of the Eight Yin Scenes softly.

The above is drawn from the Dongzhen Yindi Badu Jing (Scripture of the Eight Arts of the Hidden Earth of the Dongzhen Cavern).

Jade Dawn Life-Commanding Demon-Spirit Banners (Gaoshang Yuchen Ming Moling Fan)

There is one banner for each of the five directions, and each differs in form. In the East, white characters are written on blue silk, governing the Great King of the Demon-Spirits of the Blue Emperor of the East. It protects a certain Master of a certain Mountain, named such-and-such, so that his body attains Perfection and unites with the immortals (ti zhen he xian), its flesh made true and in harmony with the Dao. When the banner stirs, the Immortal Official of the Eastern Peak is sent to receive him in a feather-wheeled chariot, and he ascends to the Purple Phoenix Terrace of the Jade Clarity Palace. The efficacy is as the Nine Heavens have attested.

In the South, black characters are written on deep red silk, governing the Great King of the Demon-Spirits of the Red Emperor of the South. It protects the same person, who is to attain Perfection and unite with the immortals. The Immortal Official of the Southern Peak is sent in a feather-wheeled chariot to receive him, and he ascends to the Purple Phoenix Terrace of the Jade Clarity Palace, with efficacy as the Nine Heavens have attested.

In the West, vermilion characters are written on white silk, governing the Great King of the Demon-Spirits of the White Emperor of the West. It protects the same person, who attains Perfection and unites with the immortals. The Immortal Official of the Western Peak is sent to receive him in a feather-wheeled chariot, and he ascends to the Purple Phoenix Terrace, with efficacy as the Nine Heavens have attested.

In the North, yellow characters are written on black silk, governing the Great King of the Demon-Spirits of the Black Emperor of the North. It protects the same person, who attains Perfection and unites with the immortals. The Immortal Official of the Northern Peak is sent to receive him in a feather-wheeled chariot, and he ascends to the Purple Phoenix Terrace, with efficacy as the Nine Heavens have attested.

At the Center, yellow characters are written on yellow silk, governing the Great King of the Demon-Spirits of the Yellow Emperor of the Center. It protects the same person, who attains Perfection and unites with the immortals. The Immortal Official of the Central Peak is sent to receive him in a feather-wheeled chariot, and he ascends to the Purple Phoenix Terrace, with efficacy as the Nine Heavens have attested.

Secret Formula of the Qusu Incantation (Qusu Jueci)

This hidden text, written by the Great Perfected of Xuanqiu, is inscribed in vermilion ink on white silk and worn on the body. It can awe and subdue the demons of the Six Heavens, command the many spirits, and order the Five Emperors to bind the Five Peaks. By means of the fu commands of rivers, marshes, and realms, it summons the hundred demons. Through the Plain Scripture (sujing), it further draws in the tigers and leopards of the mountains and governs all the beasts.

Notes on Selected Passages from the Wushang Miyao (Unsurpassed Secret Essentials)

Formulas for Stationing the Sichuan Jiaolong Envoys and Subduing the Myriad Evils

Another text, drawn from the system of the "Nine Heavens Phoenix Qi and Perfected Writings of the Jade Hill" (Jiutian Fengqi, Xuanqiu Zhenshu), describes the Mingmo Lingfan (Life-Governing Demon-Subduing Spirit Banner). Talisman characters are written continuously on nine-chi (Chinese foot) lengths of plain silk. Those who wish to withdraw from the world and live apart write them on five-colored silk, form the Mingmo Lingfan, and arrange it according to the five directions. By this means one can command the myriad spirits, cause the heavenly demons to submit, and summon the celestial officials.

Sequence of Talisman Ingestion (Distinguished by Sex)

The Qingjing Baoming Miufu (Secret Talisman of Blue Essence for Preserving Life) is written in blue ink on white paper. Men take it first, followed by the Huasheng Danxia Lingfu (Numinous Talisman of Transformation and Rosy Clouds), which is written in vermilion ink on white paper. Women reverse this order, taking the Huasheng Danxia Lingfu first and the Qingjing Baoming Miufu second.

The Zhuming Baoshen Changcun Miufu (Secret Talisman of Vermilion Brightness for Preserving the Body and Lasting Long) is written in vermilion ink. Men take it first, followed by the Zhongyuan Huangjing Fu (Talisman of Central Plain Yellow Essence), written in yellow ink. Women take the Zhongyuan Huangjing Fu first.

The Zhongyuan Duming Baohun Miufu (Secret Talisman of the Central Origin for Saving Life and Preserving the Soul) is written in yellow ink. Men take it first, followed by the Jinguang Ziran Miufu (Secret Talisman of Golden Light and Naturalness), written in white ink. Women take the Jinguang Ziran Miufu first.

The Suling Zhaoshen Baoming Miufu (Secret Talisman of Pure Spirit Summoning and Life Preservation) is written in white ink. Men take it first, followed by the Xuanyin Shengxing Shanghua Fu (Talisman of Dark Yin Generation and Ascending Transformation), written in black ink. Women take the Xuanyin Shengxing Shanghua Fu first.

The Tongling Changming Miufu (Secret Talisman of Spirit Communion and Long Life) is written in black ink. Men take it first, followed by the Feixian Tenghua Miufu (Secret Talisman of Flying Immortal Ascent), written in blue ink. Women take the Feixian Tenghua Miufu first.

The above talismans are cited from the Dongzhen Fengtai Qusu Jing (Scripture of the Dongzhen Phoenix Terrace and Silken Tablet).

Eight-Refinement Golden Smelting Talisman for Transforming into an Immortal Perfected

On the day of Lichun (Beginning of Spring), write the talisman in yellow ink on blue paper and bathe with it in water. The whole body is then refined as if smelted in gold. The practitioner can draw in the mysterious radiance of sun and moon and cause a Perfected to descend to the Jade Court. The talisman may also be written in yellow ink on blue silk and worn at the side of the body. After eight years of practice, the practitioner can converse with the Perfected, summon a celestial carriage, ascend above the Golden Gate, and undergo refinement in the pool of golden smelting.

Eight-Refinement Embryo-Jade Talisman

On the day of Lixia (Beginning of Summer), at noon, write the talisman in cinnabar ink on yellow paper and bathe with it in water. Both the interior and exterior are refined. The practitioner draws the root of immortality from the yang essence, brings yellow qi into the yellow blossom, turns sun and moon to reflect mysteriously, and moves a Perfected to appear in the Jade Court.

Note: In the text, "men first" and "women first" indicate that the order of ingestion is reversed for each sex. The pairing of ink colors with paper colors follows the color correspondences common to Daoist talismans, which are associated with the Five Phases, the directions, and yin-yang. The Eight Refinements, golden smelting, and embryo-jade are ritual expressions of inner cultivation and nourishment that symbolize the attainment of immortality. They should not be read literally as physical smelting.

(Continued) In the "Yu" realm, one again writes with cinnabar on yellow silk and wears it on the body for a full eight years. The Perfected (zhenren) will then descend to transmit omens and true formulas. The practitioner can fly through outer space and ascend to the Palace of Dongyang.

Another is the Talisman of the Nine Refinements of the Dragon Scene (Longjing Jiulian zhi Fu). On the day of Lichiu (Beginning of Autumn), during the shen hour (3 to 5 p.m.), one writes with green ink on white paper, places the paper in water, and bathes with it. The bones and marrow are then refined and transformed. One can summon the mysterious radiance (xuanhui) in the Purple Scene (zijing), draw out yang essence (yangjing) from the Flying Root (feigen), take in yellow qi from the Water Mother (shuimu), and bring the Perfected down to the Purple Pavilion (zixuan).

One may also write with green ink on white silk and wear it for eight years. A round, sun-like light then appears above the head, and the practitioner can fly through outer space and ascend to the Hall of Broad Numinosity (guangling).

Rìhún Liànjīng Yīn Fú (Yin Talisman for Refining Essence through the Sun-Soul): On the night of Lidong (Beginning of Winter), one writes with black ink on blue paper and bathes with the paper in water. All the blood and essence of the body are then refined. One can summon sun essence (rijing) into the Purple Scene, bring down flying flowers (feihua) from the Eight Qian, refine the Five Mansions (wufu) in the Jade Pool, and transport the body to the Palace of Broad Cold (guanghan).

One may also write with black ink on blue silk and wear it for eight years. Golden light then shines from the body, and a full round light appears at the nape. The Perfected descend to transmit true omens and true writs, and the practitioner flies through outer space and ascends to the Palace of Broad Cold.

(End of excerpt.) From the Dòngzhēn Huángqì Yángjīng Jīng (Scripture of the Yellow Qi and Yang Essence of the Cavern Perfected).

Taishang Dongwen Guishan Zhen Fu (True Talisman of the Tortoise Mountain, from the Supreme Cavern Script): Write with green ink on purple silk. Wear this talisman for nine years, close the eyes, and visualize. In a single day and night, one should be able to see the nine heavenly immortals riding dragons and coiling serpents, flying through the Purple Void (zixu), and rising to the Jade Court (yuting). The body and spirit become one with the perfected, one is no longer able to wander with the mundane world, and one attains lasting long life.

Dongming Tongzhen Bianjing Yangxia Fu (Talisman of the Transformed Scene of Radiant Dawn Clouds, Penetrating the Perfected in the Eastern Brightness)

In the three spring months, practice the Way and visualize the spirits to summon numinous presences: write with black ink on blue paper and take the talisman facing east. After one hundred days, one communicates with spirits. After one thousand days, one sees the gods, sees ten thousand li clearly, and sits and beholds nature. One can also command nine Blue Perfected Jade Maidens and summon the Blue Palace's precious scriptures and the immortals' true writs.

Alternatively, write with blue ink on yellow silk and place it on the east side of the sleeping mat, covering it with blue brocade. After one hundred days, the Old Lord of the Blue Palace descends to his seat, and the divine officials and guards of the Azure Emperor (qingdi) protect the body of the practitioner with divine writs. After nine years, blue clouds of auspicious vapor come of their own accord, carrying omens for flight. This is what is called "jīng gǎn shén jiàng, zuò zhì fēixiān": essence stirs and spirit descends, and by sitting one brings about the flying immortal.

Nanguang Balian Danjing Sixuan Fu (Talisman of the Four Mysteries of the Southern Radiance, Eight Refinements, and Cinnabar Scene)

In the three summer months, practice the Way and visualize the spirits to summon numinous presences: write with blue ink on red paper and take the talisman facing south. After one hundred days, one communicates with spirits. After one thousand days, one sees the gods. After ten thousand days, one ascends as a flying immortal. One can also command nine Great Cinnabar Jade Maidens and summon the Southern Supreme Scriptures and the immortals' true writs.

Alternatively, write with red ink on yellow silk and place it on the south side of the sleeping mat, covering it with red brocade. After one hundred days, the Old Lord of the South descends to his seat, and the divine officials and guards of the Red Emperor (chidi) protect the body of the practitioner with divine writs. After nine years, cinnabar-red clouds of the Dan Heavens come of their own accord, carrying omens for flight. This is what is called "jīng gǎn shén jiàng, zuò zhì fēixiān": essence stirs and spirit descends, and by sitting one brings about the flying immortal.

Chapter on the Eight Jade Maidens Who Bring the Flowing Gold, the Fire Bell, and the Elixir of Ascension to Immortality: There is also a red writing (chishu) set on white silk, placed on the mat to the south of where the practitioner lies, and covered with red brocade garments. After one hundred days the Red Elder (chilao) descends to the chamber, and the divine officials, attendants, and divine-script guardians of the Red Emperor (chidi) protect the practitioner. One who practices the fu (talismans and registers) and whose body has eight years will summon a crimson cloud that carries auspicious signs down to envelop the body.

Western Essence, the Radiant Spirit, and the Transforming Scenery Talisman: In the third month of autumn, one practices the Dao, visualizes the spirits, and summons numinous presence. Using a yellow writing on white paper, one takes the talisman while facing west. After one hundred days one attains spiritual communication, and after one thousand days one sees the spirits. The Supreme Perfected (shangzhen) descends and meets the spirit face to face, and one commands six Great Pure Jade Maidens to bring the gold essence and solar radiance and to refine the essence of these forces. There is also a white writing on blue silk, placed on the mat to the west of where one sits and lies, and covered with white brocade garments. After one hundred days the White Elder (bailao) descends to the chamber, and the White Emperor's divine officials, attendants, and divine-script guardians protect the practitioner. One who practices the fu and whose body has six years will summon the three-white clouds (sansu yunping) that descend and cover the body.

Northern Mystery, the True Perfected of the Refining Scenery, and the Wind Talisman: In the third month of winter, one practices the Dao, visualizes the spirits, and summons numinous presence. Using a white writing on black paper, one takes the talisman while facing north. After one hundred days one attains spiritual communication, and after one thousand days one can see clearly into the hidden and the subtle and meet the spirits face to face. One commands five Great Mystery Jade Maidens to summon the consort-spirits of the Five Stars, the True Perfected of the Dipper, and the divine treasure script of the Esoteric Chart of the Immortals. There is also a black writing on crimson silk, placed on the mat to the north of where one sits and lies, and covered with dark brocade garments. After one hundred days the Dark Elder (xuanlao) descends to the chamber, and the Black Emperor's divine officials, attendants, and divine-script guardians protect the practitioner. One who practices the fu and whose body has five years will summon dark clouds that descend and cover the body.

The Central Position and the Seasons: One practices the Dao and summons numinous presence, using a red writing on yellow paper, and takes the talisman while facing the ruler's position. After one hundred and twenty days one attains spiritual communication and can see through all things, foreseeing fortune and misfortune. After one thousand days the Celestial Perfected descends and meets the spirits face to face. One commands twelve Yellow Plain Jade Maidens to bring the Supreme Yellow Eight Ways, the Crossing Perfected Mystery Register, the Flying Immortal Phoenix Garment, and the Ninefold Heaven Numinous Seal. There is also a yellow writing on black silk, placed at the center of where one sits and lies, and covered with yellow brocade garments. After one hundred days the Yellow Elder (huanglao) comes to the chamber, and the Yellow Emperor's divine officials, attendants, and divine-script guardians protect the practitioner. One who practices the fu and whose body has twelve years will summon yellow clouds that descend and cover the form. A jade carriage and feathered wheels will rise to bring the body aloft, and it will fly upward into the Palace of the Supreme Mystery.

The above is drawn from the Dongzhen (Cavern of True Perfection) scripture, the Guishan Yuanlu (Turtle Mountain Origin Register).

Upper Origin Great Register for Examining Heaven: Written with a blue brush on nine-foot yellow silk, to be worn at the belt.

Vernacular Commentary on the Wushang Miyao (Supreme Secret Essentials)

Section One (Rites for Wearing the Scripture, Sacrifice at the Mountain, and Burial and Burning)

One should go to one's benming zhi yue (native sacred mountain, one of the Five Sacred Peaks corresponding to the year of one's birth), offer sacrifice to the Tianzhen (Heavenly Perfected Spirits), and swear an oath to the Jiuxuan (Nine Mysteries of Heaven) and the Wuling (Five Numinous Spirits, the spirits of the five directions). Only after this may one wear the scripture.

If the fruit of the Dao has not descended within nine years, one must copy out two more copies according to the rite. One copy is to be burned after the sacrifice on the native mountain, its ashes scattered into the blue sky. The other is to be buried on the native mountain, nine chi (feet) deep. This is what is called reporting upward to the Nine Heavens, reporting downward to the Five Numinous Spirits, and reporting in the middle to the myriad spirits, seeking to obtain long life forever.

The Purple Writ of the Jade Casket of the Three Primes Dark Terrace (Sanyuan Xuantai Yujian Ziwen)

The one who receives this scripture should write it with a yellow brush on qingzeng (blue silk). After the same sacrifice on the native mountain, it is to be worn on the body. If after nine years it has still not lifted one upward, one must write another copy and burn it, letting the ashes rise into the blue sky. One must then write yet another copy and bury it on the native mountain, three chi deep.

Wearing this writ allows one to travel to the eight directions, cross the Five Sacred Peaks, and walk the sources of the rivers. One can control the earthly numinous powers and command the myriad spirits. After nine years, one may ride the sanyuan zhi ping (carriage of the Three Primes) and ascend to the Sanyuan zhi gong (Palace of the Three Primes).

One must not expose oneself to defilement or enter places of death pollution. To offend the Heavenly Perfected Spirits or to treat the reporting spirits with contempt will bring punishment upon the Seven Ancestors and cause the body's governing spirit to lose its immortality.

(Quoted from the Dongzhen Sanyuan Yujian Bu Jing, Scripture on the Distribution of the Jade Casket of the Three Primes.)

Gaosheng Dijun (Lord of Exalted Sagacity) says: Within the Golden Gate there is a hidden jade name-register

Within the Golden Gate (the palace gates of Heaven) there is a hidden register inscribed on jade. One who wears the Jin Ge Tengjing Shangqing (Golden Pavilion, Soaring Light, Highest Clarity) will have the Golden Pavilion carve jade tablets for them and record their immortal name. The spirits of the four great rivers and the Five Sacred Peaks, along with the sacred mountains, will guard, escort, and welcome them. After nine years, they may ride the flying clouds and command twelve jade maidens. Cinnabar script on white silk.

Gaosheng Dijun says: From the upper section of the Shangqing Jinshu Yulu (Golden Writ and Jade Register of Highest Clarity)

One who understands this will ascend to Shangqing (Highest Clarity) and stand on equal footing with the Four Perfected. One who wears it will have the Shangqing Palace carve the writ on golden tablets and record their name among the immortals. The Five Sacred Peaks will be told to send immortal officials to escort them. Blue script on white silk.

Gaosheng Dijun says: The White Tablet Writ of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate)

One who understands this will ascend to the Taiji Palace and soar through the Golden Gate. One who wears it will have Taiji carve the writ on tablets and record their name among the immortals. The four poles will guard them, and in nine years they will be able to fly. Blue script on white silk.

Gaosheng Dijun says: The Hidden Writ of the Purple Name of Fangzhu (Square Islet) and Xuansu

One who understands this will ascend to the Fangzhu Palace. One who wears it will have Fangzhu record their purple name in the Xuansu register. In nine years they will be able to fly, immortal guardians will welcome them, and the Five Sacred Peaks will enter their names in the record. Blue script on white silk.

Gaosheng Dijun says: The Hidden Writ of the Crimson Name in the Taiqing Jade Register

One who understands this will ascend to Taiqing (Supreme Clarity) and soar into the jade palace. One who wears it will have Taiqing inscribe their name in crimson in the jade register, and in nine years they will attain immortality. Blue script on white silk.

Explanatory Note

Each of the above passages describes the stages of ascent that follow from wearing a particular yinwen (hidden writ, a secretly transmitted talisman name). These range from sacrifice at the native mountain, copying and burning or burying the scripture, to the various celestial positions of the Golden Gate, Shangqing, Taiji, Fangzhu, and Taiqing. Most of the passages require writing in qingshu baizeng (blue script on white silk) or danshu baizeng (cinnabar script on white silk), and they emphasize the nine-year period and the recording of names and the escort of the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Rivers, and the myriad spirits.

Wushang Miyao (Supreme Secret Essentials): Explanatory Notes

(I) Ascent Through the Jade Register

Once one's name is entered in the Jade Register, cultivation over nine years allows communion with the spirits. One can then rise and fly on the clouds and is attended by twelve Jade Youths. The talisman is written in cinnabar on white silk.

(II) Taisu Palace (Taisu Gong)

The Exalted Holy Lord (Gaosheng Dijun) declares that Taisu Palace holds secret scriptures written in gold, which outsiders may not see. One who obtains this method may ascend to Taisu Palace and have audience with the Three Primordial Lords. One who wears this talisman will have their name carved on the Taisu jade tablets. After nine years, auspicious clouds will descend and they will ascend to heaven in broad daylight. The talisman is written in yellow on white silk.

(III) The Southern Pole and the Purple Register

The Exalted Holy Lord declares that at the Southern Pole there are secret writings recorded in cinnabar script and the Purple Register. One who obtains this method may ascend in broad daylight and pay homage to the Supreme Primordial Lord of the Southern Pole. One who wears this talisman will have their name entered in the Purple Register by the Southern Pole. After nine years, the Three Primordials will descend to their dwelling and transmit the true writings, and they may ascend to heaven in broad daylight. The talisman is written in cinnabar on white silk.

(IV) The Mysterious Palace and the Supreme Primordial

The Exalted Holy Lord declares that the Mysterious Palace of the Supreme Primordial holds secret scriptures written in azure and vermilion on gold. One who obtains this method will ascend to the Mysterious Palace and soar into the Upper Clarity. One who wears this talisman will be able to see the true form of the Supreme Primordial. After nine years, the deity will descend to their sacred chamber and transmit the true writings of the Auspicious Chamber, and they will become an immortal. The talisman is written in azure on white silk.

(V) The Jade Capital and the Cinnabar Terrace

The Exalted Holy Lord declares that the Jade Capital and the Cinnabar Terrace hold secret scriptures inscribed in gold characters on white jade. One who obtains this method may ascend to the Jade Capital in broad daylight. One who wears this talisman will have their name inscribed in the register of the Cinnabar Terrace. After nine years, they may ride the empty expanse and travel through it. The talisman is written in yellow on white silk.

(VI) The Palace of the Three Primes

The Exalted Holy Lord declares that the Palace of the Three Primes holds secret scriptures written in azure on jade tablets. One who obtains this method may ascend to heaven in broad daylight and soar within the Palace of the Three Primes. One who wears this talisman will have their name inscribed on the jade tablets. After nine years, the Three Primes will personally descend to their dwelling and transmit the true writings of the Auspicious Chamber, and they may become immortals who fly freely. The talisman is written in azure on white silk.

(VII) The Mysterious Dipper

The Exalted Holy Lord declares that within the Mysterious Dipper there are secret scriptures contained in the registers of the Mysterious Names. One who obtains this method may ascend into the Mysterious Dipper and fly to the palaces of the Upper Clarity, and their name will be inscribed in the Dipper's register. After nine years, a divine person will descend and transmit the true writings of the Auspicious Chamber. By practicing according to these methods, they will become immortals. The talisman is written in black on white silk.

(VIII) The Five Sacred Peaks

The Exalted Holy Lord declares that each of the Five Sacred Peaks holds cinnabar-written jade tablets and registers of the Purple Register. One who obtains this method may ascend to heaven in broad daylight and fly over the Five Peaks. One who wears this talisman will be guarded by the immortal officials of the Five Peaks, and the Five Emperors will carve their name on the tablets of the Five Peaks. After nine years, they may ride the empty expanse and ascend to the Mysterious Palace. The talisman is written in azure on white silk.

Taishang Liujia Sushou Danfu (Cinnabar Talismans of the Six Jia Plain Memorials)

Jiazi Sushou Danfu (Jiazi Plain Memorial Cinnabar Talisman): Write the talisman in vermilion ink on white silk. On the morning of a Jiazi day, face east while writing and wearing it. When making vows and prayers, visualize the Jade Maiden of the Jia who directly governs the talisman, holding it before you.

Glossary of Terms

Wushang Miyao: An Interpretive Reading

Plain Memorial Cinnabar Talismans (Five Sets)

On the five jia days, Jiawu, Jiaxu, Jiachen, Jiashen, and Jiayin, prepare one Plain Memorial Cinnabar Talisman on each day. Write it in cinnabar on white silk and wear it on the body. On the morning of the corresponding jia day, face east, write the talisman with a vermilion brush, and then wear it.

Six Jia Cinnabar Register Talismans

Receive the talisman by holding a ritual offering (jiao) on the Jiazi day, and wear it on the body. It can command spirits to summon the numinous, draw in the seas, and seal the mountains. When you travel to the Five Sacred Peaks (Wuyue), the myriad spirits will greet you with reverence. You may command the Six Jia (the Six Jia spirit-generals of Daoism), ascend to heaven or descend into the abyss, divide your form and scatter your shadow. Whatever is wished for among the seventy-four regions (of spirits) is granted at once, and whatever you set out to do is accomplished immediately. After nine years of completed practice, you can eliminate the afflictions of the Three Primes (sanyuan) and travel through the void in flight.

Numinous Flying Six Jia Jade Maiden Inner-Name Talismans

Jiazi corresponds to the Taixuan Palace, Jiaxu corresponds to the Huangsu Palace, and Jiashen corresponds to the Taisu Palace. These three form the Left Numinous Flying Jade Maidens. Their image shows a triangular topknot of billowing clouds (tuiyun sanjiao ji), with the remaining hair hanging loose to the waist, and each holds a Jade Essence Divine Tiger Talisman (yujing shenhu fu).

Jiawu corresponds to the Scarlet Palace, Jiachen corresponds to the Essence Palace, and Jiayin corresponds to the Qingyao Palace. These three form the Right Numinous Flying Jade Maidens. Their image is the same, but each holds a Jade Essence Golden Tiger Talisman (yujing jinhu fu).

Supreme Ultimate Jade Essence True Formula Upper Talismans (Two Talismans)

The first talisman: Beginning on the Jiazi day, take one talisman every two days, taken at dawn (pingdan). On each of the Eight Nodes (the solar terms of Lichun, Chunfen, Lixia, Xiazhi, Liqiu, Qiufen, Lidong, and Dongzhi), take an additional dose at midday on that day.

The second talisman: Beginning on the Yichou day, take one talisman every two days, taken at dawn. On each of the Eight Nodes, take an additional dose during the zishi hour (around midnight).

These two talismans are the foundation of the Numinous Flying Six Jia practice. Before taking them, one must observe a six-day fast and purification (zhai jie). After taking them, one must wait a full sixty days before taking the Sixty Jade Maiden Talismans. They summon spirits, open numinous potency, and bring access to the myriad essences. If one takes them continuously without interruption, one will become a flying immortal and attain longevity. Because the Sixty Jade Maiden Talismans must be taken first, the two practices should be cultivated together. Men and women each have their own names, and one uses the name that applies. On the Jiazi day and the other jia days, one must also take the Shangqing Great Talisman (Shangqing dafu).

Note: In this text, the jia days, palace names, and jade maidens are divided into left and right. They belong to the Shangqing Numinous Flying Six Jia system. The rhythm of taking the talismans, the fasting, and the time limits all follow the original scripture's ritual procedures, and none have been added to or reduced.

Commentary on the Wushang Biyao (Supreme Essentials)

Ten Talismans, and the Taiyin and Taiyang Talismans

There are also ten further talismans, and one must wear ten Taiyang (sun) talismans. One must first wear the Taiyin (moon) talisman, and it must not be seen by others. Yang talismans are written in cinnabar, and yin talismans are written in ink.

(Quoted from the Dongzhen Qisheng Yuanji Jing (Scripture of the Original Records of the Seven Sages of the Cavern of Perfection).)

East: Shiqing Yangxia Baozhen Yufu (Jade Talisman of Primordial Azure Yang Mists and Precious Perfection)

To summon the Jade Director (Yusijun, the divine official who governs the registers of immortals) under the Azure Emperor (Qingdi, Lord of the East), one should, on the days of Lichun (Beginning of Spring) or Chunfen (Spring Equinox), write the talisman in black ink on blue paper and take it while facing east. One should also write it in black ink on blue silk and wear it on the body. After nine years, the Jade Director will erase the death-records of the departed, ferry the living into the palace of immortals, and send Qingxia (blue mists) and Lüping (green immortal carriages) to welcome one's divine body.

West: Shaoyin Haoling Tongzhen Yufu (Jade Talisman of the Lesser Yin Radiant Spirit and Perfect Penetration)

To summon the Jade Director under the White Emperor (Baidi, Lord of the West), one should, on Liqiu (Beginning of Autumn) or Qiufen (Autumn Equinox), write the talisman in yellow ink on white paper and take it while facing west. One should also write it in yellow ink on white silk and wear it. After nine years, the Jade Director will erase the faults of the dead, ferry the living into the palace of life, and send Feixia (flying mists) and Suyun (white clouds) to welcome one's divine body.

South: Taiyang Danling Dongtian Yufu (Jade Talisman of the Sun Cinnabar Spirit Cavern-Heaven)

To summon the Jade Director under the Left Palace Red Emperor (Zuogong Chidi, Lord of the South), one should, on Lixia (Beginning of Summer) or Xiazhi (Summer Solstice), write the talisman in blue ink on red paper and take it while facing south. One should also write it in blue ink on crimson silk and wear it. After nine years, the Jade Director will erase the faults of the dead, ferry the living into the palace of life, and send Danxia (cinnabar mists) and Jiangping (crimson carriages) down to earth to welcome one's divine body.

North: Taiyin Xuanjing Yufu (Jade Talisman of the Dark Yin Essence)

To summon the Jade Director under the Dark Emperor (Xuandi, Lord of the North), one should, on Lidong (Beginning of Winter) or Dongzhi (Winter Solstice), write the talisman in white ink on black paper and take it while facing north. One should also write it in white ink on black silk and wear it. After nine years, the Jade Director will erase the faults of the dead, ferry the living into the palace of life, and send Heiyun (black clouds) and Lüping (green carriages) down to earth to welcome one's divine body.

Jiuhe Xuanling Longqiao Yufu (Jade Talisman of the Nine Rivers, Mysterious Spirit and Dragon Ridge)

To be freed from underworld corvée labor, such as the legendary punishment of sinners who, after death, must haul stones to fill rivers (lifu shi, tian he), one should take this talisman on one's benming ri (birth-day, the day that shares the same sexagenary sign as one's birth year). Write it in blue ink on yellow paper. After three years, the roots of sin from past lives can be extinguished. After nine years, the River Earl (Hebo, the god of the river) will come to greet you. You will not sink in water, and even in waves ten thousand feet high you may soar through Qingyuan (the Azure Abyss, a deep-water immortal realm). This is a great and wondrous Way, and it must not be transmitted except to a true disciple.

Qingwei Jiuxuan Shensheng Dongyuan Zhi Fu (Talisman of the Nine Mysteries of Qingwei, Divine Birth in the Cavern Source)

To avoid examination by the Three Officials (Sanguan, the officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water who weigh merit and sin) of Qingwei Heaven (a heaven revered by the Shangqing school of Daoism), one should take this talisman on the third day of each month and on one's benming ri. Write it in blue ink on white paper, and write it in blue ink on white silk to wear. Officials of Qingwei Heaven will descend to guard you. After nine years, flying canopies (feigai, ceremonial parasols of flight) will descend to welcome one's divine body.

Yuyu Xuanjing Baoshen Yufu (Jade Talisman of the Mysterious Essence of Yuyu, Protecting the Spirit)

To avoid examination by the Three Officials of Yuyu Heaven (one of the Thirty-Six Heavens), one should take this talisman on the fifteenth day of each month and on one's benming ri. Write it in yellow ink on blue paper. The method of wearing it is the same as above. After nine years, the officials of Yuyu Heaven will guard you and can summon an imperial escort to receive you.

Notes

• Taking the talisman (fufu): swallowing the talisman, or holding it while facing the designated direction at the prescribed hour, is a practice of the talismanic tradition recorded in the Daoist canon (Daozang).
• Erasing the dead and ferrying the living: deleting sins from the death-registers of the underworld, and transferring the divine soul into the palace of living immortals.
• The Jade Directors of each direction serve the Four Celestial Emperors, the Azure, White, Red, and Dark Emperors, who correspond to East, West, South, and North, and they oversee the registers of immortals and the salvation of souls.
• The colors of ink and paper, the direction, and the solar term must all match the text. This is standard ritual protocol for talismanic practice.

Wushang Biyao (Supreme Secret Essentials), Scroll 27: A Modern Interpretation

Yellow Writings, Blue Silk Cord, and the Yuyu Jade Talisman

Wear the huang shu (Yellow Writings, a yellow talisman or scripture) on the body, fastened with a qing zeng (blue silk cord), and carry the Yuyu Yu Fu (Yuyu Jade Talisman, named for the legends of Yu the Great and his flood-taming work). After nine full years of practice, a great official (a high-ranking celestial official) will descend to the human realm to wei zhao xing (guard the practitioner's form and body). At that time, one may sense or see a huang xia xuan gai (yellow clouds and a dark canopy) descend from the sky to ying zhao shen (receive the practitioner's cultivating body).

Chiyang Dongyan Xuanjing Yu Fu (The Red Yang Cavern Flame Dark Essence Jade Talisman)

There is also the Chiyang Dongyan Xuanjing Shengshen Yu Fu (Red Yang Cavern Flame Dark Essence Jade Talisman for Begetting the Body). If the practitioner wishes to bypass the Da Chi Tian (Great Red Heaven), and so not pass through it by the usual route, the talisman should be prepared on the monthly sheng (the period around the full moon), on the fifteenth day, and on the practitioner's own benming zhi ri (natal day). It is written in cinnabar on white paper and carried on the body, or written in cinnabar on silk and worn as a pendant. The officials of the Red Heaven (Chi Tian zhi guan) will then descend to guard the practitioner's body. With the same nine years of practice, the practitioner may be able to ke zhi (bring about) the Danxiao Fei Yu (Cinnabar Sky Flying Carriage), a celestial vehicle, which will descend to ying zhao shen (receive the practitioner's body).

Source

The passages above are drawn from the Dongzhen Si Ji Ming Ke (Bright Regulations of the Four Poles), a ritual and procedural text associated with the Dongzhen (Highest Cavern) corpus.

Note: In these passages, fu (wearing) and pei (carrying) mostly refer to wearing talismans and jade charms. "Nine years" is a common completion cycle in Daoist practice. "Yellow clouds and dark canopy" and "Cinnabar Sky Flying Carriage" are images of ascent and welcoming the perfected, and different schools interpret them differently. This rendering follows their literal ritual meaning and the context of welcoming the perfected. It does not offer an interpretation in terms of internal alchemy (neidan) or purely symbolic meaning.